The Best Weight Lifting Gloves

by
SUSAN DIRANIAN Last Updated: Jan 08, 2016

Susan Diranian

Susan Diranian is a writer for various online publications and magazines, specializing in relationships, health, fashion, beauty and fitness. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in nonfiction writing and editing.

While lifting weights is good for your health, it may be a pain in your hands. Some weight lifters may experience painful calluses, while others may experience muscle soreness or loss of grip. Weight lifting gloves address all these problems so that you can focus on your workout and not on your hands.

Weight Lifting Gloves Benefits

Just like regular gloves, weight lifting gloves act like a protective barrier between your hands and the elements, the elements in this case being weights. Dumbbells and barbells are made out of metal. This may aggravate hands, causing skin to form calluses and blisters. Weight lifting gloves will protect your hands from irritation. They also provide cushioning to relieve some of the pressure from your hands, protect your wrists as well as absorb any moisture that may cause you to lose your grip.

What to Look For

When trying to pick the right size, a good place to start is to look at the size of your feet. Anyone with size 9 feet or less should choose a small size. If you're between size 9 and 10, go for medium. If you're between 10 and 12, go for large. If you're larger than a size 12, then go for the extra large gloves. The gloves should fit snugly but not too tightly. Once you've found the right size, check out what the gloves are made out of. Leather and neoprene are your better options. Leather is very durable and cushiony, while neoprene is great at wicking sweat. Make sure the gloves are fingerless, meaning the top part of the fingers is open, to allow your hands to breathe even more and sweat even less. An adjustable wrist wrap will keep your wrist from being strained too.

Where to Buy

Weight lifting gloves can be found in major sporting good stores like Dick's Sporting Goods or Sports Authority as well as major retailers such as Target and Sears. They can also be found on online shopping websites such as Amazon.

Insider Tips

Galt Guides rates the Harbinger Flexfit Training Gloves as a Best Pick. Made for all types of users, the Harbinger Training Gloves feature TechGel comfort pads to cushion and protect the hand. The antimicrobial-treated material and NoSweat lining will keep odors, germs and sweat away. Another Best Pick is the Valeo Ocelot Wrist Wrap Lifting Gloves. Made out of leather, the ergo-foam padding ensures a custom grip and the wrist wrap keeps your wrist stable. Both are available in men and women sizes and machine washable.